Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a dessert or brunch idea that’s truly irresistible, I’ll show you how to make these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls that combine the best of both worlds. Imagine soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls swirled with a sweet strawberry filling and a rich, tangy cream cheese layer—every bite is like a slice of strawberry cheesecake wrapped in a warm, gooey roll.

These rolls are perfect for weekend baking, brunch gatherings, or even as a special treat for your loved ones. With a glossy cream cheese glaze drizzled on top and fresh strawberries for garnish, they’re as stunning as they are delicious. Let’s dive in and create this show-stopping recipe together!

Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

I’ve divided the ingredients into three parts: the dough, the strawberry cheesecake filling, and the cream cheese glaze.

Dough:

• 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the rolls.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the dough.
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet) – Helps the dough rise.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor.
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F) – Activates the yeast.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness.
• 1 large egg, at room temperature – Contributes to the dough’s softness.

Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, finely chopped – The base for the sweet strawberry filling.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the strawberry mixture.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Thickens the strawberry filling.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – For the creamy cheesecake layer.
• ¼ cup powdered sugar – Adds sweetness to the cream cheese filling.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Enhances the filling’s flavor.

Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened – The base of the glaze.
• 1 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the glaze.
• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream – Adjusts the consistency.
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract – For a hint of flavor.

Instructions for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

Follow these simple steps to make soft, fluffy rolls with a delicious strawberry cheesecake filling and cream cheese glaze.

Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Next, add the melted butter, egg, and salt, mixing until combined. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, and knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1–1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size.

Prepare the Strawberry Filling

While the dough rises, make the strawberry filling. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Stir and cook until the mixture thickens and resembles jam, about 5–7 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This will be spread alongside the strawberry filling in the rolls.

Assemble the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 12×16 inches. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border. Then, spread the cooled strawberry filling on top of the cream cheese layer. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the longer edge, and slice it into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes.

Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before adding the glaze.

Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls, allowing it to seep into the layers.

Serve

Serve the rolls warm, garnished with fresh strawberry slices if desired. These are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated for a quick treat later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’re going to love these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls because they’re the perfect combination of flavors and textures. First, the soft and fluffy dough provides the ideal base for the rich, creamy cheesecake filling. In addition, the sweet and tangy strawberry filling adds a fruity burst of flavor in every bite. Moreover, the cream cheese glaze ties everything together, making each roll decadently delicious. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, dessert, or a special occasion, these rolls are sure to impress. Finally, they’re easy to customize, allowing you to adjust the sweetness or add your favorite garnishes, like fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Tips for Success: Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

Use Warm Ingredients

First, make sure your milk and butter are warm (but not hot) when mixing the dough. This helps activate the yeast properly, ensuring the rolls rise beautifully.

Knead the Dough Well

Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, which usually takes 8–10 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving soft, fluffy rolls.

Cool the Filling

When making the strawberry filling, let it cool completely before spreading it over the dough. Otherwise, the warmth may make the dough too sticky and hard to roll.

Roll Tightly for Even Swirls

As you roll the dough into a log, do it tightly and evenly. This ensures that the strawberry and cheesecake fillings are distributed beautifully in each roll.

Let the Dough Rise Fully

Be patient with the rising times. Allow the dough to double in size during both rises, as this is key to achieving soft, airy rolls.

Bake Until Golden

Keep an eye on the rolls while they bake and remove them when the tops are lightly golden brown. Overbaking can dry them out.

Drizzle Glaze on Warm Rolls

Pour the cream cheese glaze over the rolls while they’re still warm. This allows the glaze to seep into the layers for extra flavor.

Store and Reheat Properly

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, warm the rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to restore their softness and flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

You’ll find these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls incredibly versatile, making them perfect for various occasions. To begin with, serve them warm as a decadent breakfast or brunch centerpiece, paired with freshly brewed coffee or a hot cup of tea. In addition, they make a fantastic dessert option, especially when topped with extra cream cheese glaze or a drizzle of strawberry syrup for added sweetness.

Moreover, these rolls are perfect for special occasions like birthdays, Mother’s Day, or holiday mornings when you want to treat your family to something indulgent. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving them alongside a fresh fruit platter or a light yogurt parfait to balance the richness. Finally, for a fun twist, garnish each roll with fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to elevate their presentation.

FAQs About Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen strawberries! However, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before cooking them into a filling. This helps prevent the filling from becoming too watery.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. Although it may take a little longer, kneading the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic works just as well.

Can I prepare these rolls the night before?

Of course! After assembling the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.

How do I store leftover rolls?

To keep them fresh, store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds to restore their soft texture.

Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?

Yes, these rolls freeze beautifully! Once baked and cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fusion of tangy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and soft, fluffy dough. Not only are they perfect for special occasions, but they’re also easy to prepare and customizable to suit your preferences. Moreover, the combination of the cream cheese glaze and strawberry filling creates a dessert (or breakfast!) that’s both indulgent and unforgettable.

So, whether you’re treating your family to a luxurious brunch or impressing guests with a show-stopping dessert, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give these rolls a try, and you’ll see just how simple it is to create a bakery-quality dish in your own kitchen!

For more irresistible cinnamon-inspired desserts, check out my Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe. It’s the perfect complement to these rolls and just as delicious!